As a homeowner, it’s important to keep a close eye on the condition of your home. Throughout the year, especially during the cold winter months, the exterior of your home is susceptible to water damage.
Here are a few areas of your home that you should check on a regular basis, especially as the seasons change.
Check the Siding
Examining your siding can alert you to damage and areas in need of repairs or replacement. Be on the lookout for:
Peeling Paint: Paint is more than just for cosmetics. Paint on your siding helps to the seal the wood and prevent moisture from getting in. If your paint is peeling, it means that raw wood is exposed and is susceptible to water damage and rot.
Soft Wood: Soft wood in or behind your siding indicates that there is already moisture gathering. Once water has been introduced, the siding can start to rot, allowing more water into the actual structure of your home, which then leads to mold.
Sunken or Protruding Nails: Examine the nails within your siding. If the nails are really sunken into the wood, it means that your siding is swelling, but the studs are holding the nails tight, preventing water from reaching the interior structure of your home. However, if the nails are protruding, it could mean that some moisture has reached the interior structure of your home, causing the studs to swell and push the nails out. If this is the case, we recommend contacting a professional as soon as possible.
A great way to protect the exterior of your home and keep your siding in good condition is investing in vinyl siding. Unlike paint, vinyl siding is an armor that cannot peel, is weather-resistant, and requires very little maintenance, all while protecting the exterior of your home.
Check the Windows
The windows are another area of the exterior of your home that should be closely examined for water damage. Examine your windows regularly for the following problems:
Cracks in the Sill: Cracks or crevices within the wood of the sill give water a direct line into the walls of your house – and since the sill is where snow and rain collect, cracks in the sill are a big concern. Much like damage to your siding, water entering into your windows can lead to mold issues and rot damage within the structure of your home. Equally dangerous is the fact that since electrical outlets often sit right below or near windows, moisture entering your home can cause electrical emergencies.
Soft Brick Mould: Check the overall trim around the other three sides of the window (known as brick mould) by pushing on the wood. If the wood is solid, you have nothing to worry about. If the wood is soft, however, water damage has already begun and it is best to contact a professional as soon as possible. The damage will only get worse and it will do so quickly.
If you suspect your home has begun to experience water damage, or if it’s time for siding or window replacements, give us a call at (402) 733-6440. You can also click here to learn more about our siding options or click here to learn more about our window options.